Abbey S. - RC - FA09

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Prudence Crandall

1803 - 1890


  • Many parents pulled their daughters out of her school because she admitted an African American girl.
  • Prudence believed that all races are equal and everyone should receive education, no matter what race they were or the color of their skin.
  • In March of 1833, she opened a school for girls of color in Canterbury.
  • In 1834 Connecticut passed a law that made it illegal for black students to get free education - "The Black Law"
  • She was arrested and imprisoned because she did not obey the law.
  • Crandall closed her school after she won her case on appeal. White mobs attacked her school and put her life and the lives of her students in danger.
  • Arthur Tappan defended her while in court




"Prudence Crandall." Women's biographies: Distinguished Women of Past and Present. 7 Oct. 2009 <http://www.distinguishedwomen.com/biographies/crandall.html>.

"Prudence Crandall was born in Rhode Island on 3rd September, 1803. After being educated at a Society of Friends school in Plainfield, Connecticut, Crandall established her own private academy for girls at Canterbury. ." Spartacus Educational - Home Page. 7 Oct. 2009 <http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAScrandall.htm>.